For the first time since 2010, the Cape Breton Capers are AUS men's basketball champions.
The Capers defeated the defending champion Acadia Axemen by a score of 83-75. The Capers trailed for most of the game but showed why they are ranked second in CIS as they poured it on the Axemen in the fourth quarter.
The Axemen led by four points entering the fourth but the Capers would not be stopped, being paced by league MVP Jimmy Dorsey and his 30 points. The simplest explanation for this outcome would be the fact Acadia had no answer for Dorsey, who hit a big three to close out the win, but it was more than that. He went 16 for 16 from the free throw line. One of the main reasons Acadia won versus SMU on Saturday was the Huskies' inability to convert free throws. Dorsey was able to generate scoring opportunities for himself as Caper fans chanted "M-V-P" throughout the game.
A key turning point was during the Caper run midway through the fourth quarter. While trailing by two, CBU decided to ramp up the pace and bring in a full-on press during which Acadia struggled to inbound the ball. Kelson Devereaux and Kayon Mayers were able to force a few key turnovers.
The biggest issue for the Axemen was that they had poor shot selection at times, largely due to CBU's man defence. The Caper defence continued to stay the course and the poor shots eventually no longer fell, allowing Cape Breton to take over.
Owen Klassen, the fourth year forward for the Axemen led Acadia with 24 points to go with eight boards, four steals and four blocks.
With the win, CBU secured a spot in the Final 8 held next week in Ottawa. Cape Breton should retain their No. 2 spot in the tournament seedings. As for Acadia, they are forced to play the waiting game and are at the mercy of the selection committee. The Axemen were ranked all year and will probably be chosen as the wildcard team, but their poor play down the stretch combined with the tournament bracket rules could force them into a low seed and an unfavourable matchup.
The problem with Acadia is that their players are too selfish. The point guard always looks for his and does not distribute the ball as well as their small forward. if they continue to play that way without moving the ball, expect them to one and done at the final 8
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